Senate President Francis G. Escudero has called on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to drop mining exploration permits that remain unused, arguing that companies should not hold on to permits they fail to utilize.
Escudero stressed that such inaction contradicts the intent of the Republic Act No. 7942, or the Philippine Mining Act, which aims to promote and develop the country’s mineral resources for national growth.
He asserted that exploration permits are granted to ensure responsible resource utilization. If mining firms fail to develop their concessions within the prescribed period, their permits should be revoked, regardless of the company’s name or influence.
“The intention of the Mining Act is to promote the rational exploration, development, utilization, and conservation of mineral resources to enhance national growth. Exploratory permits were issued by government to achieve this goal, but if these are not being utilized by the mining firms, then they have no business holding on to these permits,” said Escudero
Moreover, unused permits should instead be awarded to capable mining firms through a bidding process, generating revenue for the government while ensuring resource development.
The Senate President recently filed Senate Resolution No. 1310, seeking an investigation into inactive, non-operational, and expired mining permits, which he said hinder the country’s potential in the sector.
He criticized companies that treat exploration permits as private assets, holding onto them for years only to sell them later at a higher price. He reiterated that under the Constitution, mineral deposits are owned by the State, and permit holders are merely contractors.
During a Senate hearing, Escudero highlighted that despite the Philippines ranking fifth globally in mineral reserves and being the world’s second-largest nickel ore producer, the country has failed to maximize its mining potential.
He pointed out that the mining sector contributed only 0.5 percent to gross domestic product (GDP) in 2022 and 0.7 percent in 2023. In contrast, mining contributes over 10 percent of GDP in some of the world’s wealthiest countries.
Citing government data, the DENR reported that as of February 2025, 152 exploration permits had been issued. Of these, 45 remain valid, four are for registration, 53 have expired with pending renewal applications, and 48 have expired with no renewal application. Two permits were either consolidated or canceled.
Escudero criticized discretionary decision-making in the renewal process, warning that it could lead to corruption. He urged the DENR to issue an administrative order or memorandum circular to revoke inactive exploration permits.
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